2019 MLK Day Events in Southeast Michigan

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Aren’t those words SO true? If we can all raise our little ones to fight for what’s right and just, we will have succeeded, right?

There are few people in history as notable as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and since many schools and offices are out to honor his birthday on January 21, 2019, I hope you all spend the day living out his legacy with kindness, service, or learning.

Lucky for us, there is no shortage of great things happening, including several FREE admission museums.

Get inspired to get your kiddos thinking critically at one of these great local events!

2019 MLK Day Events in Southeast Michigan

Hear MLK’s speeches at Ann Arbor Public Library {Ann Arbor} — Visit the Mallett’s Creek branch and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by dropping in to watch videos of his speeches all day long. FREE.

Send the kids to camp at Leslie Science & Nature Center {Ann Arbor} — Solve natural mysteries and complete team challenges in this one-day camp. Test hypotheses, conduct investigations, and go on adventures in Black Pond Woods. Every LSNC camp includes opportunities to play silly games, make art, spend time outside, and meet some of LSNC’s resident animals up close. $70 for the day.

Enjoy FREE Admission to The Henry Ford for MLK Day {Dearborn} — Visit THF from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day includes free admission and free parking, activities and dramatic presentations.

Sitting inside the infamous Rosa Parks bus inside The Henry Ford is the perfect catalyst for discussing history and the Civil Rights era.

Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum for a celebration {Detroit} — Events include the museum’s 19th Annual Martin Luther King Day Commemorative Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Gloria J. Browne Marshall, followed by a daylong celebration with performances, workshops, arts and crafts, storytelling and much more! Museum admission is $8 for adults (ages 13 +), $5 for seniors (62 +) and youth (ages 3 – 12), and free for museum members and children under 3.

Head to the Motown Museum {Detroit} — The museum will be offering free admission to visitors under 18 {with paid adult} on MLK Day. Visit to learn about the link between the civil rights leader and hit-making record company once based in Detroit. Giveaways happening each hour as well.

Send the kids to Camp Paws at the Humane Society of Huron Valley {Milford}—Campers will learn how to care for and respect our animal friends. Designed for children ages 6-11, campers will engage in activities that will help to prepare them to become responsible and compassionate future pet owners! Camp hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and it’s $65 for the day.

Visit Sloan Museum for FREE {Flint/Burton} — Sloan is FREE Either visit the museum itself, or check out the new rainforest exhibit at the Courtland Center Mall in Burton.

Marion S. Trikosko photograph // March 26, 1964.

Flint MLK Jr. Celebration {Flint} — Join the Flint Public Library and the Flint Institute of Arts to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a full day of free activities that emphasize identity, unity, and community engagement. FREE.